Tigres star Gignac: Mexican league superior to MLS, Ligue 1
Tigres goal machine Andre-Pierre Gignac is enjoying a stellar campaign in Mexico's top flight, Liga MX, and the French international says the league where he's rediscovered his form is better than both MLS and Ligue 1.
After an unexpected move to the Monterrey side last summer, Gignac's guided Tigres to a Liga MX Apertura title and the Copa Libertadores final, losing to fellow Mexican side America last month.
"Mexico is a big footballing country, maybe even more competitive and more powerful than France," the former Marseille star told France Football, according to ESPN FC's Mark Rodden.
"People in France talk a lot about MLS, the United States, and its expansion. But I played over there in the CONCACAF Champions League against Real Salt Lake. It's good - there's a nice stadium and a superb pitch -but it's nothing compared to Liga MX."
Having played for more than a decade with the likes of Lorient, Toulouse, and Marseille, the 30-year-old would certainly know how the French top tier compares to Mexico's.
Gignac hasn't played in the MLS, only against MLS sides in continental competitions, though his comparisons are a fair point.
Mexican sides have dominated their American counterparts in the CONCACAF Champions League. Since the tournament was formed in 2008-09, Mexican teams have won every year, and only Salt Lake (2010-11) and the Montreal Impact (2014-15) have made the final.
With 28 goals in 37 appearances for Tigres, Gignac's comments should endear him further to a passionate fan base.